How do you remove the lower strut bolt without removing the lower control arm? I don't have the tool to take the lower control arm off correctly.

Thanks

 

Undo the rest of the necessary hardware first and you'll be able to tilt the strut assembly enough to remove the bolt. Do that one last and you'll be fine.

 

When you say the "necessary hardware", that's only the top control arm bolts right? What else am I supposed to remove?

 

Top control arm bolts (the inboard ones - you need a pair of 16mm open-end wrenches - a ratchet won't fit). Also the three 17mm top bolts on the upper strut cap assembly - open the hood - it's the three in a triangular pattern on the fenders - big, thick washers under them. That should be all you have to do.

 

I already took off the two strut bolts (the 14mm ones).

Is there any way I don't have to take off the three 17mm top bolts under the hood? Because wouldn't that affect my alignment and camber?

 

You have to - the strut mount is under there and that's how the top of the strut is secured to the car. Camber is set by the angle of the upper CAs relative to the strut body so alignment has been affected already - there isn't much to help that.

 

There's two plugs on the top right next to the three bolts that let the springs loose.. I don't get why I'd have to take off the three bolts.

 

Ah ok now I follow. Yeah if you hit the two top strut bolts through there then you don't have to.

 

not really sure what all you have done yet. did you use the coilover install instructions on audidiy.com? if not, they should be very helpful. the upper control arm bolt is very unnecessary to take off and people spend hours getting that thing back on.... but there should be just enough room to raise up the whole assembly (jacking it up from under the rotor) and unbolt the lower strut bolt. I think that's how it is at least.. good luck

http://forums.fourtitude.com/showthread.php?3499559

 

Yeah I was talking about the inboard CA bolts, not the pinch bolt. I never tried leaving the arms completely alone and popping the two cap nuts through the grommeted holes like he mentioned - I always undid the CAs from the upper strut bracket and took out the whole thing.